Write a reasonable mechanism for the 3 -ketosphinganine synthase reaction, remembering that it is a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent reaction.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The 3-ketosphinganine synthase reaction involves the cofactor pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) in several critical steps. First, the PLP is deprotonated to form a resonating carbanion intermediate. This intermediate forms a quinonoid structure which gets protonated to regenerate the PLP in its active form and create an intermediate ketimine via proton transfer. This ketimine is then hydrolyzed to yield the product, 3-ketosphinganine, and redeploy the PLP enzyme for further catalysis.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the role of PLP

Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) is an organic compound that serves as a coenzyme in all transaminases and in certain decarboxylases, deaminases, and racemases. Its active aldehyde group forms a Schiff base linkage (internal aldimine) with the ε-amine group of a specific lysine group of the aminotransferase enzyme. This link provides the basis for the enzyme's catalytic action.
02

Deprotonation of PLP Schiff base

The reaction mechanism begins with the deprotonation of the PLP internal aldimine by a base. This active form of the enzyme is able to deprotonate the substituent alpha to the carbonyl in the 3-ketodihydrosphinganine. This will generate a carbanion intermediate which is resonance stabilized by the PLP.
03

Creation of quinonoid intermediate and protonation

The carbanion intermediate from the previous step rearranges to form a quinonoid intermediate. This intermediate then gets protonated to produce the product and the internal aldimine.
04

Formation of ketimine intermediate and hydrolysis

The internal aldimine transfers a proton to the alpha carbon of the substrate, and a ketimine intermediate is formed. The ketimine is then hydrolyzed to yield the product (3-ketosphinganine) and regenerate the PLP enzyme.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free